Ashes 2025-26: Joe Root lauds England's response in Boxing Day Test after initial setbacks

Ace batter Joe Root was all praise of the manner in which England responded to the pressure and criticism surrounding them to win the fourth Test of the ongoing Ashes. England broke their 5468-day winless streak on December 27 to finally win a Test match against Australia Down Under since January 2011.

The Yorkshire-born admitted that it was disappointing that such a performance came after the series had gone in the hands of the hosts. He, however, did not diminish the manner in which the English

fought back in the recently-concluded two-day contest.

"Yeah, well, obviously to lose the series is very disappointing, but I think it was really important, um, that we showed a lot of character for the rest of the series, and I think there's been a lot thrown at this team, and the way that we've responded throughout these two days has been excellent," shared Root in a video uploaded by BBC's Test Match Special.

The experienced batter, who is on the verge of breaking the world record of Test runs, also noted how Australia stayed firm till the very end to give England their all. Root expressed keenness on England putting in a similar performance in the fifth and final match of the series in Sydney.

"They didn't hand it to you easily. No, you never expect them to. Like I said. I've been on the wrong side of the resort a lot here, so you know what to expect, how good Australia are in their own conditions, but the fact that we managed to get across the line today is excellent, and hopefully we can improve on next week as well," he added.

Englandcame into the fourth Test having already lost the series by getting defeated in the first three matches in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. They were almost written off by their own ahead of the contest. However, Ben Stokes & Co. did not lose sight of their target and were clinical on the field to bowl out Australia for 152 and 132 in their first and second innings, respectively.